State Taxidermy Convention Held in Columbus

COLUMBUS – Some of the best taxidermists from across the state gathered at the Ramada to earn top honors for their hard work.

Whitetails, birds, fish, and game-heads are all judged at the convention that was held over the weekend.

Nebraska State Taxidermists Association Vice President Branden O’Hare says attendees could also check out seminars covering a variety of topics, in addition to submitting work to be judged.

“It’s just a group of people that we get together, and try to sort of improve the collective quality of our members. People come, they bring mounts to be judged by expert taxidermists, and there’s also seminars, so they can learn the most up to date techniques,” says O’Hare.

O’Hare says the convention was moved to Columbus in recent years, and says it’s always great getting a chance to be around people who share the passion for taxidermy.

“It’s pretty neat. I think a lot of the public doesn’t necessarily what all goes into it, and so being with a group of people that has the same sort of mind set, and they’re all interested in the same types of things, it’s pretty fun,” says O’Hare.

O’Hare also handcrafts the State Champion medallions.

“It’s kind of a fun thing for the competitors. If I go to another state that does that. It’s pretty neat to compete and try to win one of those, because it’s hand made, and they’re new every year. You know, they’re one of a kind, so it really is a highly sought after thing,” says O’Hare.

O’Hare says the move to Columbus from Grand Island has been a successful one, and he says they don’t currently have any plans to go anywhere else.